Issue 159

6494

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issue 159 | 07.02.11 | Page 1

BRAIN DRAIN Shortage of technical staff reflects squeeze on industry associations

This Issue • Furniture, cabinet making, joinery sectors move for single body • DAFF forums on illegal logging policy

By JIM BOWDEN

 Open

day kick-starts Year of Forests • Gavin teaches history of furniture • Carpenters Day hammers carbon message for wood • Hardwoods contribute to eco-housing project

It’s getting lonely in the lab.

have declined by more than 50%. The technical sector has taken the major brunt with a

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THE technical workforce and services of Australia’s timber industry associations are now at their lowest level and well below international standards, a finding that could have implications for the wood manufacturing sector.

“The worry is this reduction in association resources and personnel has been in free fall for about 10 years and puts the industry at a severe disadvantage against the technical strength of competitive products,” an industry analyst said.

An association resource matrix compiled by industry shows that since 2002 both national and state technical, promotional, lobbying and merchant services

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issue 159 | 07.02.11 | Page 1

INDUSTRY NEWS

Furniture, joinery cabinetmaking in ‘one-voice’ move

Landmark forum in Sydney The Victorian Association of Forest Industries, representing the interests of the Victorian timber Industry

Victorian Association of Forest Industries Level 2, 2 Market Street Melbourne 3000 Tel: +61 3 9611 9000 Fax: +61 3 9611 9011 Email: info@vafi.org.au Web: www.vafi.org.au

Page 2 | issue 159 | 07.02.11

KEY representatives of the furnishing, cabinetmaking and joinery industries met at a landmark forum in Sydney last Friday to formulate a national ‘one voice’ organisation to front governments on a range of issues threatening the livelihoods of 100,000 workers in the sector.

The new organisation – the FCJ – would: • Create and deliver a single united voice to federal and state governments.

• Build and develop a reliable and regularly updated book of industry stakeholders.

• Develop a strategic industry plan and seek government endorsement and funding to implement this plan The industry plan will undoubtedly focus on challenges to improve the Australian furnishing, cabinetmaking and joinery industry (FCJ). That plan will detail programs aimed at improving the capacity of the industry, its profile in the community and the marketplace in which it operates The plan will articulate elements addressing capacity issues including management and owner education programs; design and innovation culture; environmental sustainability; computer-based manufacturing and design; and business clusters and supply chain improvement “In short, it will build a roadmap for the industry, with a target of developing a business culture of export readiness and import substitution,” the chairman of the Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Ron Scott said in a keynote address

TRUST TABMA Ron Scott .. a roadmap for industry.

to the forum.

The plan will also articulate elements addressing the profile of the industry in the community including raising awareness of high quality, high value Australian product, campaigns to demonstrate the perception of value in quality Australian made furniture, furnishings and joinery and promote environmental best practice product The plan will also deal with market failure and programs to enhance consumer protection such as occupational and business licensing in the sector; warranties and guarantees; relevance and compliance with ANZSIC or international standards; and safety and environmental security It was suggested a national FCJ Council be formed with membership comprising all parties within the industry.

Mr Scott said that over the last 15 years the FCJ industry’s place in the Australian marketplace had been challenged by Cont Page 7

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Apprentices, trainees or cadets Short or long-term staff recruitment OH&S training and independent audits WHS training and information Debtors control and collection Membership services

Contact us on Sydney – (02) 9277 3100 Adelaide – 0407 102 244 Perth – 0414 908 465 Brisbane – (07) 3254 3166 Hobart – 0407 102 244

www.tabma.com.au

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issues

Natural disasters beg for better building solutions From Page 1

In the UK, Canada, Sweden, the US, Germany and South Africa these resources have more than doubled in the past decade.

New Zealand is also placing more emphasis on timber products research and the export of modular building systems.

The declining Australian figures show that complaints by some sectors of industry that forest and forest products associations are “too big”, employing too many people, don’t hold water.

In the face of rapidly increasing competition from alternative products, the timber industry is in a vulnerable position. Never before has the industry been

Targetting architects and designers.

so well placed to position its product more favourably in the ‘green revolution’ of energy efficiency building codes and emphasis on carbon reduction.

Aggressive and increased competition is coming from

steel frames and trusses, fibre cement products, aluminium and composite decking, while timber poles are up against steel vineyard poles and cement and steel electricity and transmission poles.

In the marketing of their products, competitors are targeting the alleged perceived weaknesses of timber products, with steel frame and truss producers stating their products do not rot and are safe from insect attack.

The current cyclone and flood disasters on the east coast will throw up challenges to the industry to find new high-tech timber building solutions.

After the severe failure of plasterboard in flood-damaged houses, manufacturers are already countering the high performance of plywood and timber panelling with new methods of installation and product guarantees.

If industry wants new wood technology, it must also ask where are the people who can provide it?

The proposed Wood Products Council, an alliance of seven trade associations whose members represent diverse segments of the wood products industry, including manufacturers of lumber, engineered wood, architectural millwork and wood composite panels, has not developed beyond its aims and objectives.

Membership funding available to support industry associations is a complex issue; industry has put the financial squeeze on associations for some time. But if the rate of decline in personnel continues on its present path, many associations may disappear before the end of next year.

Some industry leaders are

ForestWorks performs a range of industry wide functions acting as the channel between industry, Government and the Australian Vocational Education and Training (VET) system.

Core services: • Skill Standards • Material Development • Networks • Strategic Skills Planning • Project Management • Data Collection • Research • Industry Advice • Career Advice • Adult Learning Expertise

VICTORIA PO Box 612, North Melbourne 3051 Tel: (03)9321 3500 Email: forestworks@forestworks.com.au NEW SOUTH WALES PO Box 486, Parramatta 2124 Tel: (02)8898 6990 Email: smukherjee@forestworks.com.au TASMANIA PO Box 2146, Launceston 7250 Tel: (03)6331 6077 Email: wfoss@forestworks.com.au BRISBANE PO Box 2014 Fortitude Valley 4006 Tel: (07)3358 5169 Email: bharle@forestworks.com.au

Cont Page 4

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issue 159 | 07.02.11 | Page 3

issues

UK research sets international pace in cutting edge design technologies From Page 3

avoiding the issue, stalling until the proposed big industry ‘merge’ – the single national voice – happens sometime in April.

Drawing international comparisons, the UK Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA) employs 150 technicians in its head office in Buckinghamshire alone and many more throughout England.

TRADA is talking with top level architects and designers, inviting them to speak at In Touch with Timber 2011 in September.

‘The program is still taking shape, but there will be a clear focus on using wood innovatively and imaginatively,” TRADA marketing manager

Challenges .. to find new high-tech timber building solutions.

Rupert Scott said.

“Timber is an adaptable and dynamic material and we intend that In Touch with Timber will be a vibrant reflection of what

is new, topical and cutting edge in structural design and architecture today.”

Meanwhile, the government of British Columbia, Canada, is

continuing its ‘wood first’ policy and France now has a law that wood be used in building construction. New Zealand and Japan are also considering ‘wood first’ policies.

Established in 2007, Canada’s ‘wood first’ programs aim to increase the use of wood in non-residential construction (schools, health care facilities, retail establishments, etc) throughout Canada and targeted areas of the US. These programs are designed to educate architects, engineers, specifiers and builders on the advantages of and opportunities for using wood in non-residential applications.

‘Wood first’ shares the cost of approved projects with industry and other partners, typically Cont Page 6

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A big thank you to the Australasian timber industry for your support over the last 10 years!

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TimTech is 10 years old, better and stronger, with patented technology, top people and excellent service.

TimTech.... Still putting Values and Value into timber protection on both sides of the Tasman.

Page 4 | issue 159 | 07.02.11

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events

WHAT’S ON? FEBRUARY

MAY

14-18: Wood Science Course.

University of Melbourne and CSIRO, Melbourne. Contact Silvia Pongracic on 0418 764 954 or visit www.gottsteintrust.org

May 21-June 5: Forest biomass four-nation industry study tour.

New Zealand, Austria, Germany and Finland. Includes LIGNA Hannover Wood Fair, Germany.

Email: francip@optusnet.com.au

MARCH 4-5: Forest Industry Engineering Association Residues to Revenues Conference (incorporating Green Energy Expo), Bayview Eden Hotel, 6 Queens RoadMelbourne.

Call 1800 126 398 to register or www.woodresiduesevents.com 30-31: Residues to Revenues.

Technologies to improve wood wastes utilisation. Rotorua, NZ. Visit www.fiea.com.nz

APRIL 4-5: Residues to Revenues.

Technologies to improve wood wastes utilisation. Melbourne. Visit www.fiea.com.nz 8: South Eastern Australia 2011 Farm Forestry and Firewood Expo, Bendigo, Vic. City of Greater Bendigo’s Huntly plantation, north of Bendigo.

NORTHERN United Forestry Group (NUFG) - a not-for-profit community group with a focus on growing trees for sawlogs and firewood - will host the expo at the Huntly plantation, north of Bendigo.

Some trees (all hardwoods) within the Huntly plantation that need to be thinned will be available for demonstration purposes. Contact: Mal Brown, Northern United Forestry Group. Tel: (03) 54352588.

Mob: 0419 108 817.

25: Institute of Foresters of Australia (IFA) and New Zealand Institute of Forestry Conference (ANZIF 2011). Auckland NZ. Theme: ‘Pacific Forestry’. Visit www.anzifconference.co.nz 30-June 3: LIGNA Hannover Wood Fair.

25-June 4: LIGNA industry tour (Germany, Italy, Austria).

JUNE 15-17: SawTECH 2011. Sawing technologies to improve mill performance. Brisbane. Visit www. fiea.com.nz 21-23: SawTECH 2011. Sawing technologies to improve mill performance. Rotorua, NZ. Visit www.fiea.com.nz

JULY 13-14: Carbon Forestry 2011.

Key investment drivers and future business opportunities. Auckland, NZ. Visit www.fiea.com.nz

SEPTEMBER 5-7: NZ Forest Industries Expo 2011. Venue: Rotorua Energy Events Centre, Rotorua. Forest industry leaders and companies from across the world are booking their tickets to participate in the expo (FI2011) and make the most of the 2011 Rugby World Cup while they’re there. Exhibition sites have already been booked by a number of NZ and Australian companies,

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and inquiries being received from Canada, China, Vietnam and Austria. The expo will showcase the best that Rotorua, the wider Bay of Plenty region and the rest of New Zealand has to offer when it comes to forestry and wood products. Contact: Dell Bawden.

Tel: +64 73627865. Mob: +64 274745485. Email: office@bawden.co.nz Website site: fi2010.co.nz 6-7: Wood Technology Clinic 2011. Series of clinics held within the NZ Forest Industries Expo.

Rorotura, NZ. Visit www.fiea.com.nz

October 21-November 2: 5th International Woodfibre Resources and Trade Conference: Woodchips and Biomass for Global Markets.

Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, Singapore. Presented by DANA Ltd, Pike & Co and Wood Resources International, followed by field trip to Cambodia on November 3, 4 and 5.The field trip is an optional extra to the conference registration fee and will be limited to 80 participants.

Field trip participants will fly from Singapore to Sihanoukville with an overnight stay. Transfer next day to Siem Reap which will include a visit to world famous UNESCO heritage site Angkor Wat. Return Saturday morning. Who should attend? Plantation and other forest owners, plantation investment fund managers, existing-future biomass producers and users, existingfuture wood pellet producers and users, bankers and investment analysts, woodchip producers, wood fibre trading companies, woodchip end users.

SUSTAINABLE. RESPONSIBLE. The National Association of Forest Industries (NAFI) is striving for an ecologically sustainable Australian society achieved through dynamic, internationally competitive forest industries.

NAFI’s mission is to represent the interests of members by promoting the environmental sustainability and the prosperity of Australian forest industries.

National Association of Forest Industries Ltd (Est. 1987) PO Box 239, Deakin ACT 2600 Tel: (02) 6285 3833.

Fax: (02) 6285 3855 Web: www.nafi.com.au

issue 159 | 07.02.11 | Page 5

issues

Slip sliding away This industry association resource matrix shows staff numbers are now at their lowest level. A linear interpolation of the technical resource, suggests the figures will reach zero in June 2012 Lobbying Na.onal0

A3P NAFI ATIF VAFI NSW FPA TQ (formerly TQB) FIAT

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Merchants

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FTMA TMA TABMA NSW TABMA Qld TABMA SA

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2002

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6 5 0.5 3.5 1 3.5 2.5 0 2 24

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The benefits of timber From Page 4

covering up to 50% of a project’s eligible costs. Funding extends to technical support and training provided by technical advisors; market opportunity studies, public opinion studies, stakeholder knowledge surveys, benchmarking surveys; promotional missions, trade shows, seminars, product directories, generic promotional brochures, technical literature, outreach programs; and technology transfer and training, including quality assurance and

Page 6 | issue 159 | 07.02.11

demonstration projects; In South Africa a timber marketing forum will promote the use of wood in the face of rapidly increasing competition from alternative products.

The inaugural meeting of the organisation in Isando on June 22 will see the unveiling of a constitution, logo and a strategic plan.

“As an industry, we have done little in a coordinated manner to promote the benefits of timber,” said the organisation.

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industry news

FCJ plan to deal with market failure and consumer protection programs From Page 2

overseas imports, the majority from China.

“Sadly, our politicians have placed a higher emphasis on re-election than on serving our country and our people in the best possible way,” he said.

“This has also been exacerbated by an army of senior bureaucrats who do not care, who do not understand, and who subscribe to economic theories which have been disproved the world over.”

In economic terms, Mr Scott said the industry suffered from market failure. In economic terms, the country was suffering from government failure.

“Our current taxation system has not kept up with the taxation systems around the world, where the taxation focus is on consumption. Instead, between our federal and state governments, but particularly our state governments, the emphasis is on taxing capital – the means of production,” Mr Scott said.

“State governments achieve this through land taxes and payroll taxes. The federal government achieves this through inadequate depreciation allowances.

“Government failure also extends to its management of information asymmetry.

Imported product is regularly caught out advertising itself as Australian made or that its meets ASNZ standards.”

Mr Scott said government failures also extended to its management of warranties, payment deposits and licensing.

“Imported product is not required to comply to the standards required by federal and state government law, the most astounding of which is the no warranty to 12 month warranty placed on imported

joinery products, while Australian product must supply a seven-year warranty.

“As a result, Australian furnishing, cabinetmaking and joinery businesses must compete with product imported overseas on a totally unfair playing field.

“Sadly, however, the politicians and the bureaucrats do not understand that this is no game; people’s livelihoods, their businesses and their jobs, Cont Page 8

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On the line .. 100,000 jobs in furniture, cabinetmaking and joinery.

issue 159 | 07.02.11 | Page 7

industry news

ForestrySA seeks ForestrySA new Harvestseeks and ForestrySA seeks new Harvest and Transport services ForestrySA seeks new Harvest and Transport services in Green Triangle. new Harvest and ForestrySA seeks Transport services in Green Triangle.

ForestrySA seeks Transport services new Harvest and in Green Triangle. new Harvest and in Green Triangle.

Transport services Transport services in Green Triangle. in Green Triangle.

ForestrySA is calling for proposals for the supply of harvest and transport services infor the Green ForestrySA is calling for proposals the supply Triangle region. of harvest and transport services in the Green ForestrySA is calling for proposals for the supply Triangle region.

ForestrySA is calling for proposals supply of harvest and transport services infor thethe Green A briefing and field tour day will be held in Mount of harvest and transport services in the Green Triangle region.

Gambier on Thursday 10 February 2011.

ForestrySA is calling for proposals for the supply A briefingregion. and field tour day will be held in Mount Triangle ForestrySA is calling for proposals for of harveston and transport services thethe Green Gambier Thursday 10 February 2011.

A briefing and field tour day will beinheld in supply Mount Up to 900,000 tonnes per annum is available for of harvest and transport services in the Green Triangle region.

A briefing and field tour day will be held in Gambier on Thursday 10 February 2011. Mount harvest or for transport: Triangle region.

Up to 900,000 tonnes per annum is2011. available for Gambier on Thursday 10 February A briefing and field tour day will be held in Mount harvest or for transport: Up to 900,000 tonnes per annum is available for A briefing and field tour day will be held in Mount Gambier on Thursday 10 February 2011.

Up to 900,000 tonnes per annum is available for Chiplog (T1) 70,000 tonnes/pa harvest or for transport: Gambier on Thursday 10 February 2011. harvest or(T1) for transport: Chiplog 70,000 First thinning (T1) 60,000 tonnes/pa Up to 900,000 tonnes per annum is available for Chiplog 70,000 First (T1)(T2)per annum 60,000 Second thinning 100,000 Up to thinning 900,000 tonnes is tonnes/pa available for harvest or(T1) for transport: Chiplog (T1) 70,000 tonnes/pa First (T1) 60,000 harvest orthinning for transport: Second (T2) 100,000 Thirdthinning thinning (T3) 100,000 First thinning (T1) 60,000 Second thinning (T2) 100,000 Third thinning Chiplog (T1) 70,000 Clearfall (CF >(T3) 2.3m3) 360,000tonnes/pa Second thinning (T2) 100,000 Chiplog (T1) 70,000 Third thinning (T3) 100,000 First thinning (T1) 60,000 Clearfall (CF 2.3m3) Clearfall (CF >< 2.3m3) 360,000 210,000tonnes/pa Third thinning (T3) 100,000 First thinning 60,000 Clearfall (CF > 2.3m3) 360,000 Second thinning (T2) 100,000 <(T1) 210,000 (CF > 2.3m3) 360,000 ItClearfall is intended that separate harvest and transport Second thinning (T2) 100,000 Clearfall (CF < 2.3m3) 210,000 Third thinning (T3) 100,000 contracts will be awarded.

This is planned to take ItClearfall is intended separate harvest (CFthat <(T3) 2.3m3) 210,000and transport Third thinning Clearfall (CFmid-2011, > 2.3m3)with 100,000 360,000 place during new contracts taking contracts will that be awarded. is planned to take ItClearfall is intended separateThis harvest and transport (CF > 2.3m3) 360,000 effect on 1(CF January 2012.

Clearfall < 2.3m3) 210,000 place during mid-2011, with new contracts taking It is intended that separate harvest and transport contracts will be awarded. This is planned to take Clearfall (CF 2.3m3) 210,000 effect on 1will January 2012. contracts be< awarded. planned to take place during mid-2011, withThis newiscontracts taking To register for the briefing & fieldcontracts tour ontransport It is intended that separate harvest and place mid-2011, with new taking effect during on 1 January 2012.

February and for & the issue ofontransport It10isregister intended that separate harvest and contracts be This istour planned to take To for2011 theawarded. briefing field effect on 1will January 2012. documentation, please contact Emma Bigham contracts will be awarded.

This is planned take place during mid-2011, with new contracts taking 10 Februaryfor2011 and for the issue of on to To register the briefing & field tour at ForestrySA on +61 (8) 8724 2812. place during mid-2011, with contracts taking effect on 1 for January 2012. documentation, please contact Emma Bigham To register the briefing & new field tour 10 February 2011 and for the issue of on effect on 1 January 2012. at ForestrySA on +61 (8) 8724 2812.

10 February 2011 and for the issue of documentation, please contact Emma Bigham Forregister all otherforenquiries please call: To the briefing & field tour on documentation, please contact Emma Bigham at ForestrySA on +61 (8) 8724 2812.

Mr Adrian Hatch, ForestrySA To register for the briefing & field tour 10 February 2011 and for the issue of on ForForestrySA all other enquiries please at on +61 (8) 8724call: 2812.

General Manager -ForestrySA Sales, on issue 10 February 2011 and for the of Bigham documentation, please contact Emma Mr Adrian For all otherHatch, enquiries please call: +61 (8) 8724 2818 or email documentation, please contact Emma Bigham at ForestrySA on +61 (8) 8724 2812.

General Manager -ForestrySA Sales, on call: For all other enquiries please Mr Adrian Hatch, hatch.adrian@forestrysa.com.au. at ForestrySA on +61 (8) 8724 2812. +61 (8) 8724 2818-ForestrySA or emailon Mr Adrian Hatch, General Manager Sales, www.forestrysa.com.au For all other enquiries please hatch.adrian@forestrysa.com.au.

General Manager Sales, on call: +61 (8) 8724 2818 or email For all other enquiries please call: Mr Adrian Hatch, ForestrySA www.forestrysa.com.au +61 (8) 8724 2818 or email hatch.adrian@forestrysa.com.au.

Mr Adrian Hatch, ForestrySA General Manager Sales, on hatch.adrian@forestrysa.com.au. www.forestrysa.com.au General Manager Sales, +61 (8) 8724 2818- or emailon www.forestrysa.com.au +61 (8) 8724 2818 or email hatch.adrian@forestrysa.com.au. hatch.adrian@forestrysa.com.au. www.forestrysa.com.au www.forestrysa.com.au

Page 8 | issue 159 | 07.02.11

Whittakers expands in WA as agreement delivers more jarrah WEST Australian timber trader Whittakers Ltd has reached an agreement with the Forest Products Commission to take in an additional 14,400 tonnes of jarrah sawlogs for processing and converting into value-added products including furniture feedstock, flooring and joinery.

The company is expanding its Greenbushes Sawmill and processing facility to handle the increased intake.

“Under these new arrangements we will be able to operate more efficiently with certainty in pricing and log supply,” Whittakers’ chief executive Trevor Richardson said.

Mr Richardson indicated that Whittakers would ultimately be employing 33 additional staff at Greenbushes over the next 12 months and would welcome any of the experienced personnel to be stood down at Gunns Manjimup to contact them regarding employment opportunities over the next 12 months.

David Hartley, acting general manager of FPC, said the government had worked hard to stabilise the timber industry which had gone through several difficult years.

“The industry is still adjusting to a regrowth timber resource and Whittakers’ decision to expand its operation signals that it is starting to turn around.”

Whittakers mills jarrah, karri and marri sawlogs, and invested $10 million in 2006 in a new mill for cutting small regrowth logs.

Gunns Ltd will close its Deanmill jarrah sawmilling site on February 18 with 44 employees made redundant. The decision comes after a review of WA operations announced last October.

Gunns will maintain its Manjimup processing and Welshpool retail sales operations to reduce stock over the next 12 to 18 months. A decision on the level of activity at the Manjimup site will be made during that period.

National voice for industry From Page 7

depend on fairness, and it is trite macro economic theory that assures them that when their full-time manufacturing jobs disappear, they can get part-time jobs at fast food restaurants or other hospitality industry enterprises.”

Mr Scott said it was also important categorically state that the industry supports competition from imports – as long as it is on a fair basis.

“We support imports – imports of quality goods that are fit for purpose – on the market in a level playing field.

The purpose of the FCJ forum in Sydney was to bring together the key players in the furnishing, cabinetmaking and joinery industries and build a community – a community that will advocate its position to the government and consumers.

“We need the entire furniture, cabinet making and joinery industry to recognise that the industry is under threat,” Mr Scott stressed.

“We need for the entire industry to recognise that the best means of meeting and overcoming this threat is through a collective will and community action.”

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industry news

Log exports boom as NZ becomes an industry of 2 halves AS the New Zealand wood products sector faces sawmill closures and job losses the forest harvesting sector is enjoying a booming 22 million cub m annual log harvest.

“We are absolutely booming with forest harvest production right now with high volumes of export logs going to ports like there is no tomorrow,” Forest Industry Contractors Association chief executive John Stulen said.

“This is a great outcome for the forestry half of the forest products industry - but it is now an industry of two halves. Over the past two years there have been many sawmill closures leaving something like half of that sector viable compared with pre-recession levels.

Mr Stulen warns of the boom-

bust habit which the forestry sector is in. “The market is fast becoming fragile, too focused on one product – export logs,” he says.

“Past export booms and the corresponding busts have seen forestry frowned upon as a career choice by young people looking for certain futures.”

Mr Stulen says for many new entrants into forest contracting and for the less experienced employees working in the bush right now, there is no tomorrow – there is only today while the boom is happening.

“With Chinese New Year celebrations beginning, forestry contractors should expect a lag effect as our single largest export market takes a breather,” he said.

Meeting at FCJ forum in Sydney Getting together at the furnishing, cabinetmaking and joinery industries forum in Sydney last Friday are Tracey Gramlick, Australian Windows Association, Martin Lewis, Furnishing Industries Association of Australia,

Simon

Dorries,

general

manager, Engineered Wood Products Australasia, Alan

Association Brisbane,

Broome,

of and

Decorative

Wood Veneers Association.

See Page 2.

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issue 159 | 07.02.11 | Page 9

TIMBER DESIGN

Cypress, hardwoods contribute to affordable city eco-housing project HARDWOOD products have been used extensively throughout the new Whitmore Square Eco Housing project in inner city Adelaide, providing young professionals with affordable housing close to the city.

The project was the subject of a national design competition initiated by Adelaide City Council with the support of the state government and the Royal Australian Institute of Architects.

South Australian-based Troppo Architects won the first prize and the opportunity to put its cost-effective, environmental design into practice.

The aim of the project was to provide 26 apartments which would not only be affordable to rent but also help to reduce daily living costs. As a result, ecologically sustainable design principles were fundamental and sourcing materials was a highly selective process.

Ecologically sustainable .. Australian hardwoods key feature in design of Adelaide apartments.

Boral Timber’s hardwood timber products were an ideal choice for the project, having been sourced from sustainably managed and legal forestry sources and achieving Australian Forestry Standard (AFS) chain of custody certification. They also delivered on both the architect’s and builder’s durability and grade requirements.

The wide range of products were utilised in numerous ways – hardwood decking for both screening and decking, inside and out; F27 KD structural solid hardwood timber for floor framing and bearers and joists; and F27 standard and better KD solid hardwood timber for decking, handrails, stair treads and post cladding.

This was further complemented

Wood council wants to go ever higher THE Canadian Wood Council has released a report that champions the cause for woodframed mid-rise residential buildings in Ontario. The council wants Ontario wood used in the

framing of mid-rise buildings. It is making a case for changes to the provincial building code to allow the construction of woodframed buildings from five to eight storeys, otherwise known

as mid-rises.

The council also wants to sway the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to remove a restrictive four-storey cap on wood frame construction.

with Boral plywood for bracing and cypress for roof rafters and purlins as well as fences and screening. A light Tasmanian oak species was used as a decorative element for internal skirting and handrails. The result is a warm and inviting space, incorporating an array of natural materials and features.

“The environmental aspects of this project, combined with its affordability, make this a really exciting addition to Adelaide’s infrastructure,” John Evins of Adelaide City Council said.

“The materials used throughout not only contribute to each home’s sustainable credentials but also enhance the aesthetics, creating a cosy, homely place to live.”

Other energy and water saving features of the project included solar cells for electricity generation; solar hot water heating; natural gas for cooking; energy metering management system to monitor and advise tenants of water, power and gas usage in each apartment; and remote operated external awnings to shade building in summer and allow solar access in winter.

Be SURE about INSURANCE Trusted brokers to the timber industry since 1985

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Page 10 | issue 159 | 07.02.11

Contact Alan Jones Email: alan.jones@premier.austbrokers.com (Licence No. 238123)

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events

Stakeholder seminars will demand precise detail in illegal logging policy INDUSTRY will be looking for precise details on how the federal government will implement its illegal logging policy at a series of stakeholder seminars in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane this week.

New legislation will be introduced into parliament this year after a period of public consultation.

The Australian timber industry must clearly verify the legal origin of all timber products according to the requirements set out in the legislation, including products such as sawn timber, wood panels, pulp, paper, wooden furniture and composite products.

The seminars have been organised by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. DAFF has indicated it will continue to consult with stakeholders as key aspects of the policy are developed.

The seminars will be held in Melbourne (Best Western Airport Convention Centre) and Sydney (Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport) on February 7 and in Brisbane (Quality Hotel Airport International) on February 9.

Australia now joins the European Union, Switzerland and the US in introducing legislation to ban imports of illegal timber.

Forestry minister Senator Joe

Joe Ludwig .. level playing field.

Ludwig says the new laws will be instrumental in fostering global trade in legal timber products and will level the playing field between illegal and legal timber suppliers.

After widespread industry consultation, the federal government will introduce legislation that carries penalties for importing illegally logged timber. Under the legislation, importers will now need to meet a due diligence test to ensure the timber they are sourcing has not been illegally logged.

Instrumental in ushering in this new law was a coalition of timber merchants, retailers and environmental and social justice organisations who all banded behind the Greenpeace campaign ‘Say NO to Bad Wood’, including the World Wildlife Fund, Bunnings, IKEA

and Kimberly-Clark.

“Bunnings has pushed for this outcome since 2001 when we committed to a zero tolerance approach to illegal timber in our supply chain,” general manager, marketing and merchandising, for Bunnings Clive Duncan said.

“We welcome this announcement which matches our ongoing commitment to providing products that originate from legal and well managed forests,” he said.

“These new laws to ban illegal timber imports will ensure that Australia takes a leading role in the protection of the world’s

most

threatened

forests,

joining efforts like the EU’s ‘Due Diligence’ regulation and the US Lacey Act. Head of the Global Forests and Trade Network George White said for the legislation to truly be effective, there must be strict penalties to serve as a deterrent and enforcement actions that truly have teeth— sending a message throughout the

global

forest

products

industry that illegal timber is no longer welcome in the world’s leading markets.

Contacts: CHH Woodproducts New Zealand Email: info@chhwp.co.nz Web: www.chhwoodproducts.co.nz IPL (West Coast) Ltd Email: tuffply@xtra.co.nz

New legislation hopes to stamp out illegal logging practices.

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au

Juken New Zealand Ltd Email: Bill@nzwoodproducts.co.nz www.nzwoodproducts.co.nz

issue 159 | 07.02.11 | Page 11

WORKING WITH WOOD

Gavin teaches history of furniture .. and a way to bring it back to life electrician in his home town of Glossop in north England. Ten years later he was working as a builder and cabinet maker developing an affection for wood and a desire to teach others how to use it.

By JIM BOWDEN

“GAVIN is fabulous not only in the creation and restoration of fine timber pieces but also making sense of it,” said Jenny Thomson as she brushed wood shavings from her apron.

Jenny, who fattens beef cattle at Bellmere near Caboolture, is one of a number of woodloving women who attend Gavin Smith’s furniture-making school at Elimbah, north of Brisbane in the shadows of the Glasshouse Mountains.

“He has thousands of little tips.

He can talk about the grain of wood and the kinds of tools that work best,” Jenny said.

“It’s clear that this is his love – and it’s wonderful to be around someone who loves something so much.”

“The love of wood is there, in

‘Allow the wood to tell you which way it wants to be carved, but develop your own style. Do what you love and love what you do’

Love of wood .. Gavin Smith at his Elimbah furniture-making school.

- Picture by Tina Mitchell

their hands,” Gavin told us, referring to students of all ages who are learning to create and repair furniture. “And the women are the quickest learners.”

Gavin Smith, 64, started as an

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Page 12 | issue 159 | 07.02.11

Jenny Thomson learns the finer skills of working with wood from master furniture maker Gavin Smith.

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He studied furniture making at the Manchester College of Arts and Technology in the UK attaining advanced qualifications in furniture making, woodcarving and restoration. He went on to teach at the college, later moving to Australia, settling in Queensland and running parttime courses at TAFE. At his Elimbah workshop, he now teaches furniture making, relief woodcarving, wood turning, hand veneering, polishing, furniture design and restoration at all levels to suit beginners and more advanced students.

“The courses are designed to build skill and confidence in the use and maintenance of hand tools and also to teach the traditional and well-proven Cont Page 14

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EVENtS

Open day was a great kick-start to International Year of Forests 2011 FORESTRY Tasmania kicked off its celebrations for the United Nations International Year of Forests 2011 with an open day at the ‘forest in the city’ in its Hobart headquarters on January 25.

The event proved to be a popular summer holiday diversion, with a steady stream of families, shoppers and naturalists flowing into the Melville Street Dome throughout the afternoon.

Their curiosity was rewarded by science and fire fighting displays, indoor abseiling, and even the opportunity for the young (and young at heart) to have their photo taken with ‘Crusty’, FT’s very own giant freshwater crayfish.

State Labor Member for Lyons and International Year of Forests ambassador Rebecca White was on hand to officially launch the celebrations. She said the UN’s theme for the year, ‘celebrating forests for people’, had struck a deep chord with her.

“This theme resonated deeply with me, as it conveys the need to manage forests for many values, including conservation and sustainable development.

“It means that these values, which are often portrayed as being in conflict, are in fact intertwined.

“It also recognises that people are central to the effective management of forests.

“With careful, scientifically driven management, such as we have in Tasmania, there need not be a contradiction between conserving biodiversity and providing wood products and other non-commercial values from forests.

“While not all values may be delivered in any one area of forest, they are delivered across the entire landscape.

“While there are of course

mountain biking and the multisport Ben Lomond Descent.

“And one of our bursary recipients, Shannon Banks, is going to attempt to visit all 52 of our recreation and tourism attractions around the state over the year. She’ll be writing a blog about her adventures, which we hope will inspire Tasmanians to experience the wonders of the forests in their own backyard.”

Mr Jeffreys said FT’s staff were excited by the opportunities presented by the International Year of Forests 2011.

“This year, we want to show the community that we are proud of the work we do to ensure the full range of forest values are maintained in perpetuity.

“Our staff worked hard to create displays for the launch that were fun and informative.

The public’s reception showed us that there is a great deal of interest, and open-mindedness, about the way our forests are managed.”

Toby and Reece Richardson with Krusty, Forestry Tasmania’s giant burrowing crayfish.

a number of challenges confronting the forest industry at present, it’s nonetheless important to remember that our state forests provide skilled employment for thousands of Tasmanians, and indirect employment for many more in our rural and regional communities.

“And of course, our state forests also provide clean drinking water to our towns and cities, they store the equivalent of 24 per cent of Tasmania’s carbon emissions each year, and they provide a host of recreation activities and tourism attractions that appeal to locals and visitors alike.”

Forestry Tasmania’s general manager, corporate relations and tourism Ken Jeffreys said the open day was just a taste of things to come, with a 12-month calendar of events planned to celebrate the International Year of Forests.

“We have a number of exciting projects scheduled over the next year, such as the opening of new accommodation at Tahune, to be called the AirWalk Lodge.

“This development will, for the first time, see family

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Rebecca White, MP Lyons, Tasmania’s ambassador for International Year of Forests prepares to abseil from the top of the Forestry Tasmania walkway.

accommodation available at one of Tasmania’s most highly visited tourism attractions. It will allow our guests to spend a full day experiencing all of the activities on offer at the AirWalk, as well as the many other attractions on offer in the Huon Valley.

“The year will also see a number of high-profile sporting events on state forest, including

editorial inquiries ph: +61 7 3256 1779

issue 159 | 07.02.11 | Page 13

events

Carpenters Day will hammer home carbon message on wood products FOLLOWING the success of the event in 2010, the third annual National Carpenters Day promises to reach an even wider audience with new activities, national events, sponsors, partners and participants.

Often the unsung heroes of Australia’s past and present, carpenters add value to the economy and community at

many levels.

National Carpenters Day has been created to recognise the role of carpenters, their skills and the part they play in building a more sustainable environment by using carbonstoring wood, which has low embodied energy and helps tackle climate change.

Building up to the day will be

Bringing furniture back to life From Page 12

ways of furniture making,” he said.

“As students progress, wood machining is introduced, together with more modern techniques such as jointing with knock-down fittings, giving them a more thorough knowledge of furniture making and design.”

‘It’s clear that this is his love – and it’s wonderful to be around someone who loves something so much’ Gavin likes all timber species although he is happiest working with furniture along traditional European lines. He also has a strong sense of the history of wooden furniture referring to the ‘Age of Oak’ during the reigns of the British Tudor monarchs and the ‘Age of Walnut’, roughly from 1600 to 1730.

Traditional pieces often find their way into his workshop for repair and restoration.

“I want this furniture to be restored as close as possible to the original piece,” he said.

Gavin likes to use the English and American oaks, walnuts, ashes and beeches when he can. He prefers a harder wood and says Australian hardwoods are among the most beautiful and hardest in the world.

Page 14 | issue 159 | 07.02.11

“We’re not just working with a piece of timber, we’re creating something special and ornate,” he said.

“Allow the wood to tell you which way it wants to be carved, but develop your own style. Do what you love and love what you do.”

Jenny Thomson says Gavin teaches her how to do everything.

“He teaches you how to use hand tools and how to maintain them before you start using them. He forces you to do it the right way the first time.

“This type of knowledge in terms of traditional handwork is disappearing,” she says.

“It’s dying. There are very limited opportunities to learn woodworking from top to bottom, so I’m glad I found Gavin.

“Apart from the fact that I just love timber, a living, beautiful thing, I have several pieces of lovely furniture that are special to me and were passed down through the family.

“My father used to maintain them, but now they’re starting to get rickety. Gavin offered the perfect opportunity to not only fix them but have him show me how to fix them myself.”

Gavin Smith can be contacted on (07) 5432 8004 or mobile 0407 151 272.

nominations for the Carpenter of the Year and Apprentice Carpenter of the Year.

Workmates, friends, family members and even carpenters themselves can enter right now on the website www. carpentersday.com.au Weekly prizes are available for anyone that nominates a carpenter or apprentice; these notifications will be made on the Carpenters Day facebook page: www.facebook.com/ profile These highly regarded awards attract a growing pool of great prizes from major tool and equipment suppliers.

With a total prize pool of $60,000, which includes a $20,000 Jet-ski, package from Lockwood/Assa Abloy there is plenty on offer for everyone involved.

Australia-wide, the highlights of the day will be a series of

free barbecues at participating suppliers’ premises and TAFEs that offer free snags, drinks and instant prizes to help celebrate the role of carpenters and building camaraderie and relationships.

Barbecue locations are at www. carpentersday.com.au An impressive list of participants is lined up to support the day, including timber merchants, builders, TAFEs, industry bodies, trade publications and more. Support packs and free promotional materials are available to barbecue hosts.

Contact 1300 414 044 or email admin@carpentersday.com.au “We’re proud that Wood.

Naturally Better is the major sponsor of National Carpenters Day,” said Ric Sinclair, managing director of Forest and Wood Products Australia, the industry services company behind the program.

Nailing the good wood message .. National Carpenters Day will be biggest yet.

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Classifieds Position Vacant

Structural Engineer

Position Vacant

Divisional Manager Brisbane A large Brisbane-based timber company is seeking a divisional manager with experience in the timber industry.

We require a mature minded, sales-focused, intelligent, energetic, creative thinker with sound leadership skills, good verbal and written communication skills and a high degree of integrity and common sense.

A generous salary package plus profit share will be offered to the right applicant.

Please apply in the first instance to: timber@gibsonpartners.com.au

Reports to General Manager Responsible for • Providing Technical support to the Australasian (Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea) plywood, Laminated Veneer Lumber, Particleboard and Medium Density Fibreboard manufacturing industries.

• Co-ordinating the EWPAA Research & Development activities • Development of Standards and Codes • Development of Technical Publications and Software • Answering of Technical enquiries from members, suppliers and general public • Providing design advice and undertaking basic structural design Location 3 Dunlop Street, Newstead, Queensland 4006 Purpose To provide high level Technical Support to meet the EWPAA Quality Policy, Goals and Objectives as established by the EWPAA Board of Directors Key Accountabilities • Technical Support • Research & Development • Standards and Codes • Maintenance / Development of Technical Publications and Software

Selection Criteria

Experience & Qualifications • Bachelor Degree in Structural Engineering or equivalent • Managerial Experience • Experience in the design of Timber Structures • Understanding of plywood and LVL as a building material • Knowledge on Wood Products manufacturing Personal Attributes • Strong communication and leadership skills • Ability to delegate efficiently • Capacity to plan and monitor personal work program • Ability to work unsupervised Competencies • Proven ability to speak / lecture in public • Proficient report writing skills • Ability to use Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Access

Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia Plywood House, 3 Dunlop Street, Newstead 4006, Queensland, Australia Tel: 61 7 3250 3700. Fax: 61 7 3252 4769 Email: inbox@paaa.asn.au

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issue 159 | 07.02.11 | Page 15

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